Wednesday, February 22, 2006

Diagnosis: Bipolar II

Before we started our first session, Dr. B warned me that it could take anywhere from one to three sessions for him to diagnose me.
Monday came and it was time for my second session. Dr. B had asked me if we could include a family member so that he could get another perspective on my symptoms - things I didn't notice about myself. I immediately nominated Wallace, my fiance, who lives with me (and our dog).
Dr. B thanked J for joining us and helping to shed light on my symptoms so that I could receive proper treatment. We talked at length about my manic symptoms. Wallace notices things more than I do and was more aware of how long things lasted than I am. When Dr. B was done getting information from Wallace, he asked me if I'd feel comfortable having Wallace stay in the room with me while we continued the session. He was aware that some people are not comfortable keeping their spouse or loved one in the room with them.
We talked about some more depression symptoms and I was also asked about any paranoid feelings I had and any possible hallucinations. Paranoia, a bit yes. Sometimes proven to be true (when it comes to peers not liking me and talking behind my back). Hallucinations, no. Except for the time the Ambien made the rug in the bathroom swirl.
When Dr. B had finished asking his questions he told me I had Bipolar II. And he wants me to come back some time during this week or the following for us to discuss the treatment plan.
While I wait for my next appointment I still have to go for that blood test to check my thyroid. It's important to follow that closely as some treatments for bipolar affect the thyroid. And I already have a problem with my thyroid so I don't need more, now do I?

2 Comments:

At 10:49 PM , Blogger Alicia said...

Welcome! It's a tough road, this Bipolar stuff, but survivable :)

 
At 5:28 PM , Blogger Chris said...

I'm bipolar II as well (with rapid cycling). Good luck to you.

 

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